the problem is that assad is there. you can say you should go as many times as you want but as long as he shows no intention of doing so, that would only leave you at the corner. >> woodruff: and just quickly. to those who look at the situation and say russia is one of the obstacles to finding a solution because you will not go your country will not go along with the sanctions required to make an important diplomatic change there. >> no, it would be completely irrelevant. the government has been fighting a war which has been very difficult for the government and is not exactly winning, to put it mildly so that's completely irrelevant. what we need is to put political pressure on both sides and to perceive those in their position who believe that the only way to win is to fight is a dangerous strategy. >> woodruff: finally, mr. ambassador, let me ask you about a development in the united states today i'm sure you're aware that the u.s. ambassador to the united states whom you know and you've worked with has now withdrawn